Rock Cycle Station Lab - MS

This student-led, modular station lab engages middle school students in exploring the rock cycle by classifying rocks according to the processes that formed them. Students rotate through multimodal input and output stations that build understanding, encourage independence, and support collaboration. Teachers serve as facilitators, guiding learning while students take ownership of their progress.

Note for Texas teachers: This resource aligns with the 2017 TEKS and will not be updated for the 2021 standards.

Structure & Differentiation

• Nine total stations: eight differentiated activities plus one bonus challenge station

• Differentiated design provides scaffolds for struggling learners and enrichment opportunities for advanced students

• Includes station signage, readings, task cards, and resources to simplify setup and implementation

• The Explore It! station may require a few simple supplies commonly available in most science classrooms

Students may complete the lab individually or in small groups, offering flexibility for classroom management.

Station Breakdown

Input Stations (building knowledge):

• Explore It! – Hands-on demonstration; digital version uses interactive elements in PowerPoint or Google Slides

• Read It! – Differentiated passages (English & Spanish) with comprehension and vocabulary practice

• Research It! – Guided online activity with structured lab sheet questions

• Watch It! – Short video with comprehension prompts

Output Stations (demonstrating knowledge):

• Organize It! – Sorting and categorization activities using manipulatives or digital tools

• Illustrate It! – Drawing/sketching models of the rock cycle to reinforce understanding

• Write It! – Short-answer prompts requiring complete-sentence responses

• Assess It! – Task cards and vocabulary-in-context activities to demonstrate mastery

Bonus Station:

• Challenge It! – Enrichment tasks such as crosswords, games, and mini-projects for early finishers or advanced students

Flexible Implementation

This resource is designed for both in-class and virtual learning. All files are fully compatible with PowerPoint and Google Slides, making them easy to use in blended or remote learning environments.

This is a finished product; it will be updated with formatting or corrections as needed. Future improvements and new features will be sold as a separate product.